Gulliver’s appoint BBC Spirits to drive European growth

French distributor BBC Spirits has bolstered its portfolio with several UK spirits brands as it bids to drive growth in 2021.

The Bordeaux-based importer has tied up long-term agreements with gin producers Masons of Yorkshire, McQueen Gin and Salcombe Distilling Co., plus Gulliver’s Whisky.

Greg Kimber, who joined BBC Spirits as sales director for UK and Ireland last year, was instrumental in setting up these distribution agreements.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted that we will be working closely together with all our new British spirit partners, in what has been an incredibly difficult time for the hospitality sector over the past 12 months due to the pandemic. Brexit, which started in January, was not going to frighten us away from exploring new and exciting partnerships with these award-winning, world class spirit producers.

“All at BBC Spirits are 100% committed to ensuring this new partnership is a huge success and that you will soon see all these brands throughout mainland Europe. We will start importing these brands as of March 2021.”

Stu Gulliver, co-founder of Gulliver’s Whisky, added: “The Covid-19 pandemic has been a particularly challenging time for everyone in the UK drinks and hospitality industry, us included.

“Yet we decided early in the first lockdown of 2020, that it was important to continue to invest in our brand and develop our business. Our newly signed partnership with BBC Spirits is exciting for us and the perfect way for us to build our brand with our friends in Europe.

“BBC Spirits have an amazing portfolio of world brands and their network is unrivalled, with a very impressive track record.”

BBC Spirits was founded in 2010. It specialises in gin, rum, whisk(e)y, vodka, sake, shochu, liquor, awamori and brandy, with a particular focus on Japenese spirits.